WO2014189380A1

WO2014189380A1 - Fireworks having a lowered danger classification and a method for lowering the danger classification of fireworks

Info

Publication number: WO2014189380A1
Application number: PCT/NL2014/050331
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hayo WOLFF
Original assignee: Wolff Hayo
Priority date: 2013-05-24
Filing date: 2014-05-26
Publication date: 2014-11-27
Also published as: NL2010859C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to lowering the danger classification of fireworks. According to the invention, the outer casing (1, 101, 201) of a firework unit comprises a pair of openings (212) at the topside of the outer casing, which openings are aligned to facilitate the positioning of a removable blocking element (4, 104, 204) through the openings in the outer casing, to block the outwardly oriented movement of the inner casing (106, 206) of the firework unit in case of inadvertent combustion of the combustion material.

Description

FIREWORKS HAVING A LOWERED DANGER CLASSIFICATION AND A METHOD FOR LOWERING THE DANGER CLASSIFICATION OF FIREWORKS

The present invention relates to lowering the danger classification of fireworks. More in particular, the present invention relates to a firework unit, and to an assembly and/or a device comprising such unit. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a fireworks packaging and to a method for lowering the danger classification of a firework device.

Fireworks are a class of explosive devices commonly used for esthetic firework displays. In general, firework devices are designed of paper, plastic, and/or metal tubes or casings that contain a combustible material. The combustible material often consists of a pyrotechnic mixture which may contain metal powders, salts or other compounds.

Known firework units comprise an outer casing having a bottom part, a side surface and a topside part, wherein the outer casing encases an inner casing and comprises a combustible material in a space between the inner casing and the bottom part of the outer casing. The inner casing comprises a lifting charge. A first fuse runs through the outer casing into the space between the inner casing and the bottom part of the outer casing with the combustible material. When the first fuse is ignited the combustible material explodes and causes a second fuse to ignite. This second fuse runs through the inner casing and is connected to the lifting charge. Alternatively or additionally, the second fuse may be connected to the first fuse. The explosion of the combustion material also causes an outwardly oriented movement of the inner casing. When the burning second fuse reaches the combustible material, which normally occurs when the inner casing has reached a particular height, the inner casing explodes and causes the audio and visual effects which are characterizing for fireworks. For instance, the inner casing can be that part of a fireworks rocket that shoots up in the air.

Fireworks can be classified in Classes 1.1G, 1.2G, 1.3G, 1.4G, or 1.4S based on the risks and potential damage that may be caused when the combustible material is inadvertently combusted, for instance during transport and storage. Fireworks in Class 1.1G are classified as the most dangerous, whereas fireworks in Class 1.4S are classified as having the lowest risk.

Classification of fireworks is done based on tests which are performed by official international authorities, such as for instance TNO (Netherlands), BAM (Belgium), or LOM (Spain). These tests include, but are not limited to, the bonfire test. In this test, multiple firework devices are placed on a pile and ignited. Subsequently, the distance travelled by any remains of the firework devices is measured. If the distance travelled is less than 15 meters, the firework device is categorized in Class 1.4; if the distance travelled is more than 15 meters, the firework device is categorized in Class 1.3G.

A firework unit or a firework device comprising a plurality of firework units as described above is/are usually classified as Class 1.3G fireworks. This means that these fireworks have a risk of fire and a minor risk of projection. This puts a heavy burden on the manufacturer, distributor and user of this type of fireworks, as Class 1.3G fireworks require strict safety measures during transport and storage.

There is, therefore, a need for fireworks having a lowered danger classification, and in particular for fireworks being classified in Class 1.4G or 1.4S.

Thus, an object of the present invention is to lower the danger classification of fireworks. In particular, the aim of the present invention is to lower the danger

classification of fireworks in Class 1.3G to Class 1.4G or 1.4S. Classification in Class 1.4G or 1.4S significantly simplifies the transport and storage of fireworks.

According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved with a firework unit comprising an outer casing, an inner casing, and combustible material confined in a space between the outer casing and inner casing at a bottom side of the outer casing. The firework unit according to the invention is characterized in that the outer casing comprises a pair of openings at the topside of the outer casing, which openings are aligned to facilitate the positioning of a removable blocking element through the openings in the outer casing, to block the outwardly oriented movement of the inner casing in case of inadvertent combustion of the combustible material.

Fireworks that will be classified in Class 1.4G or 1.4S may be newly developed or existing fireworks in Class 1.3G may be used. If existing fireworks in Class 1.3G is used, this fireworks may be modified such that it will fall within the 1.4G or 1.4 classification.

The outer casing and inner casing of the firework unit may be elongated structures having a side surface. The pair of openings may be oppositely arranged in the side surface of the outer casing.

The outer casing may extend beyond the inner casing in a direction away from the combustible material. Here, the pair of openings can be located in the part of the outer casing that extends beyond the inner casing. The inner casing may comprise a pair of openings, which openings are aligned to the pair of openings in the outer casing, to facilitate the positioning of a removable blocking element through the openings in the outer casing and inner casing. In other words, the removable element passes through the inner casing and outer casing such that both casings become fixed with respect to each other.

The term "removable blocking element" is intended to refer to two possible states: a first state wherein the blocking element is positioned through the pair of openings and a second state wherein the blocking element is not positioned through the pair of openings. The term "removable" means for instance, but is not limited to, "retractable".

At least part of the side surface of the outer casing may be weakened. The at least part of the side surface of the outer casing is preferably at least part of the side surface of the outer casing between the bottom of the outer casing and the pair of openings or the removable blocking element. At least part of the side surface of the outer casing is weakened to ensure that this part splits in a controlled manner upon the explosion of the inner casing. If part of the side surface of the outer casing is not weakened, the pressure built up due to the explosion may result in the outer casing being ripped open in an uncontrolled manner and the subsequent projection of many pieces of outer casing material. However, when part of the side surface of the outer casing is weakened, the outer casing may not be ripped to many pieces and the projection of the outer casing material may be confined to the site where the explosion occurs. This may be much safer and contribute to the classification in a lower danger class. Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the bottom of the outer casing may also be weakened. At least part of the bottom of the outer casing is weakened to ensure that this part splits in a controlled manner upon the first explosion of the combustible material which is confined in the space between the inner casing and the bottom side of the outer casing. If the bottom side of the outer casing is not weakened, the pressure built up due to the explosion may result in the outer casing being ripped open because the pressure cannot be released. The outer casing may thus be ripped open in an uncontrolled manner and the subsequent projection of many pieces of outer casing material. However, when the bottom side of the outer casing is weakened, the pressure may be released and the outer casing may not be ripped open. This may be much safer and contribute to the classification in a lower danger class.

The term "firework unit" is intended to refer to any unit which comprises at least one outer casing, at least one inner casing, and combustible material confined in a space between at least one outer casing and at least one inner casing at a bottom side of the at least one outer casing.

The firework unit may be a tube, comprising an outer tube, an inner tube and combustible material confined in a space between the outer casing and inner casing at the bottom side of the outer tube.

The term "a pair of openings" is intended to refer to "at least two openings" and thus includes "one pair", "two pairs", "two or more pairs", and "more than two pairs".

The outer casing and inner casing may be any type of casing. The outer casing may be the same as or of a different type of casing than the inner casing. The outer casing and inner casing are preferably tubes.

The outer casing and inner casing may be made of any type of material.

The outer casing may be made of paper or plastic and the inner casing may be made of paper.

Any type of paper may be used, including but not limited to cardboard, bank paper, banana paper, bond paper, book paper, coated paper with glossy or matte surface, construction paper/sugar paper cotton paper, fish paper (vulcanized fibres for electrical insulation), inkjet paper, kraft paper, laid paper, leather paper, mummy paper, sandpaper, tyvek paper, wallpaper, washi, waterproof paper, wax paper, wove paper, and/or xuan paper.

Any type of plastic may be used, including but not limited to polyester (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyamides (PA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene/ Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PE/ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS), polyurethanes (PU), melamine formaldehyde (MF), plastarch material, phenolics (PF) or phenol formaldehydes, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polylactic acid (PLA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and/or urea- formaldehyde (UF).

The outer casing and/or inner casing may also be made of a mixture comprising fibers, starch, and/or calcium carbonate. The fibers are preferably vegetable fibers.

Preferably, the outer casing is made of reinforced plastic or glass-fiber reinforced plastic. The outer casing and the inner casing may be of any shape, having any type of cross-section including, but not limited to, a circle, an oval, a square, a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, an octagon, a parallelogram, a star, or a diamond. The outer casing and inner casing may have the same shape. The outer casing and inner casing may also be of different shapes. For example, the outer casing may have a square cross-section while the inner casing has a circular cross-section.

The outer casing and the inner casing may be of any size. The term "size" is intended to include height, width, and diameter. From the design it follows that the outer casing is of a (slightly) greater size than the inner casing, otherwise insufficient pressure would build up in between the outer casing and inner casing to cause the outwardly oriented movement of the inner casing.

The outer casing and inner casing may have any thickness. The outer casing and inner casing may have the same or different thicknesses.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an assembly comprising the firework unit of the invention, and a removable blocking element. In an assembled state, the removable blocking element is positioned through the pair of openings of the outer casing.

The term "a removable blocking element" is intended to refer to a single removable blocking element and/or to a plurality of removable blocking elements. In this context, the term "plurality" is intended to include "two", "two or more", and "more than two".

The removable blocking element may be made of any material or a combination of materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, or metal.

Any type of plastic may be used, including but not limited to polyester (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyamides (PA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene/ Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PE/ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS), polyurethanes (PU), melamine formaldehyde (MF), plastarch material, phenolics (PF) or phenol formaldehydes, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polylactic acid (PLA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and/or urea- formaldehyde (UF). Any type of metal may be used, including, but not limited to, aluminum, bismuth, brass, bronze, cadmium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead, magnesium, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, palladium, silver, steel, tantalum, tellurium, tin, titanium, tungsten, or zinc.

The removable blocking element may be of any shape having any type of cross- section, including, but not limited to, a circle, a cylinder, an oval, a square, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a pentagon, an octagon, a parallelogram, a star, or a diamond. The removable blocking element may also be a sheet or a disc.

The removable blocking element may be solid or hollow.

In case of a plurality of removable blocking elements, the removable blocking elements may have the same shape. The removable blocking elements in a plurality of removable blocking elements may also be of different shapes. For example, one removable blocking element may have a circular cross-section while another removable blocking element has a square cross-section.

The removable blocking element may be a circular rod made of iron.

The removable blocking element may be positioned through the pair of openings in the outer casing and/or inner casing at any height. Preferably, the removable blocking element is positioned through the pair of openings in the side surface of the part of the outer casing that extends beyond the inner casing.

The removable blocking element may be positioned through the pair of openings in the outer casing and/or inner casing in a straight line or diagonally. "Diagonally" is intended to mean that the removable blocking element is positioned through the pair of openings, wherein the openings are at different longitudinal positions.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a firework device comprising at least one firework unit of the invention or at least one assembly of the invention.

The term "firework device" is intended to encompass a single firework unit or a plurality of firework units of the invention.

The firework device may comprise a plurality of firework units, wherein the pair of openings in the outer casings of the plurality of firework units are aligned to facilitate the positioning of a removable blocking element through the pair of openings in the outer casings of each of the plurality of firework units to simultaneously block the outwardly oriented movement of each inner casing in case of inadvertent combustion of the combustion material.

In this context, the term "plurality" is intended to include "two", "two or more", and "more than two".

If the firework device comprises a plurality of firework units, the two, or two or more, firework units may be of the same material, shape, and/or size. The two, or two or more, firework units may also be of different materials, shapes, and/or sizes. The firework units may also be placed in different angles relative to each other. This means that one or more firework units may be placed in, for instance, a fan shape. The firework units may further be of the same or different caliber.

If the firework device comprises a plurality of firework units, the two, or two or more, the outer casings of the plurality of firework units may be integrally connected. The outer casings of the plurality of firework units may be integrally connected in any manner, including, but not limited to, the use of a separate element that when placed in position connects the outer casings of the firework units. The outer casings of the plurality of firework units may also be integrally connected by moulding the material of which the outer casings is to be made such that the outer casings of the plurality of firework units consist of one piece.

Examples of firework devices include, but are not limited to, (reloadable) aerial shells, single-shot aerial tubes, bottle rockets, skyrockets, missiles, ground spinners, pinwheels, helicopters, flares, fountains, roman candles, multishot aerial devices ("cakes"), firecrackers, sparklers, Catherine wheel, black snakes and strobes, and star mines.

The simultaneous blocking of the outwardly oriented movement of each inner casing is intended to mean that only one removable blocking element is used to block the outwardly oriented movement of the plurality of inner casings. It does not mean that the outwardly oriented movement of the plurality of inner casings needs to be simultaneously initiated. It does also not mean that the outwardly oriented movement of the plurality of inner casings needs to be blocked at the same time. For instance, if a firework device comprises a row of four firework units and a removable blocking element that is positioned through all four firework units, the combustible material in each of the four firework units may explode in a sequence rather than all at the same time. The outwardly oriented movement of the four inner casings will then also occur in a sequence rather than at the same time. However, the outwardly oriented movement of the four inner casings is simultaneously blocked by the single removable blocking element.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a firework packaging comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part are separably connected. The firework packaging is configured to accommodate the firework unit of the invention, and/or the assembly of the invention, and/or the firework device of the invention. A removable blocking element is connected to the first part or the second part, and the firework packaging is configured such that the removable blocking element is positioned through the openings of the outer casing(s) of the firework unit(s) when the firework unit, assembly, and/or firework device is accommodated within the firework packaging, and such that upon separating the first and second part, the removable blocking part is removed from the openings of the outer casing(s) of the firework unit(s).

The term "separably connected" refers to two different states: a first state in which the first part and second part are connected and a second state in which the first part and second part are not connected. The term "separably" for instance means, but is not limited to, "detachable", "removable", "dismountable", "disconnectable", "dividable", and/or "disengagable".

The firework packaging may be made of any material, including, but not limited, to paper or plastic.

Any type of plastic may be used, including but not limited to polyester (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyamides (PA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene/ Acrylonitrile

Butadiene Styrene (PE/ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS), polyurethanes (PU), melamine formaldehyde (MF), plastarch material, phenolics (PF) or phenol formaldehydes, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polylactic acid (PLA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and/or urea- formaldehyde (UF).

The firework packaging is preferably made of cardboard.

The first part may be a main part and the second part a cover part, or vice versa. Preferably, the first part is a main part and the second part a cover part. The main part may for instance be a box-like container and the cover part a lid. The first part and/or second part may comprise one or more folding regions.

The first part and the second part are separably connected, for instance by means of a tear-off strip, a scored line and/or perforations.

The firework packaging is configured to accommodate the firework unit, assembly, and/or firework device of the invention. For example, when a removable blocking element is connected to the first part, the firework unit, assembly, and/or firework device, may be placed in or onto the first part such that the removable blocking element is positioned through the openings in the outer casing(s). The first part and second part may then for instance be folded and closed to form a closed package. The package may subsequently be sealed. The first part and the second part may be connected when the fireworks unit or device is placed in or onto the first part or second part. In this case the first part and second part form one piece, which is subsequently packed together to form a container which may then be closed and/or sealed. The first part and second part may for instance be packed together by means of folding. The first part and second part may also be separate when the fireworks unit or device is placed in or onto the first part or second part. In this case the first part and second part may each have at least one open side to facilitate the placing of the fireworks unit or device in or onto the first part or the second part. The at least one open side of the first part and second part are the sides which when brought together may connect the first part and second part to form a closed package. The first part and second part may subsequently be brought together and connected to form a closed package. The first part and second part may for instance be connected by sliding the first part onto the second part or vice versa, and/or by means of a tear-off strip, a scored line, perforations, tape, glue, and/or staples. Preferably, the fireworks unit or device is placed with the first and second part still connected. For instance, the first and second part may, when connected, form a container having at least one open side through which the fireworks unit or device can be placed into the package. After insertion of the fireworks unit or device, during which the blocking elements are preferably simultaneously inserted through the openings, the package may be closed using foldable parts to form a closed package.

The first part may be the main part connected to the removable blocking element(s). In this case, the fireworks unit or device may be placed into the main part such that the removable blocking element(s) is/are positioned through the openings in the fireworks unit or device. The second part, in this case the cover part, may subsequently be brought together with and connected to the main part to form a closed package. The second part may for instance be connected to the first part by sliding the second part onto the first part or vice versa, and/or by means of a tear-off strip, a scored line, perforations, tape, glue, and/or staples. The package may subsequently be sealed. The first part may also comprise one or more blocking flaps at the open side to block the outwardly oriented movement of the fireworks unit or device when the removable blocking element(s) is/are removed. This ensures that the fireworks unit or device cannot still comprise the removable blocking element(s) when it is removed from the first part.

The second part may be the cover part connected to the removable blocking element(s). In this case, the fireworks unit or device may be placed onto the second part such that the removable blocking element(s) is/are positioned through the openings in the fireworks unit or device. The first part, in this case the main part, may be subsequently be brought together with and connected to the main part to form a closed package. The first part may for instance be connected to the second part by sliding the first part onto the assembly comprising the fireworks unit or device and the second part. The assembly comprising the fireworks unit or device and the second part may also be placed into the main part. The first part and second part may then be connected by means of a tear-off strip, a scored line, perforations, tape, glue, and/or staples. The package may subsequently be sealed. When the firework unit, assembly, and/or device is to be used, the removable blocking element is removed by separating the first part and the second part of the firework packaging. For example, when a firework unit, assembly, and/or device is accommodated in the firework packaging wherein the removable blocking element is connected to the first part, the removable blocking element is removed from the firework unit, assembly, and/or device when the tear-off strip is removed and the first part and second part are subsequently moved in opposite directions. This ensures that the user of the firework unit, assembly, and/or device cannot ignite the fireworks while the removable blocking element(s) is/are still in place. According to a fifth aspect, the present invention further provides a method for lowering the danger classification of a firework device, wherein the method comprises:

- providing a firework device comprising at least one firework unit, wherein the firework unit comprises an outer casing, an inner casing, and combustible material confined in a space between the outer casing and inner casing at a bottom side of the outer casing,

- creating a pair of aligned openings at the topside of the outer casing to facilitate the positioning of a removable blocking element through the pair of openings;

- positioning a removable blocking element through the pair of openings in the outer casing to block the outwardly oriented movement of the inner casing in case of inadvertent combustion of the combustion material.

The method preferably comprises weakening at least part of the side surface of the outer casing, wherein the at least part of the side surface of the outer casing is preferably at least part of the side surface of the outer casing between the bottom of the outer casing and the pair of openings or the removable blocking element.

The weakening of at least part of the side surface of the outer casing is to ensure that this part splits in a controlled manner upon the explosion of the inner casing. If the weakening in part of the side surface of the outer casing is not present, the pressure built up due to the explosion may result in the outer casing being ripped open in an uncontrolled manner and the subsequent projection of many pieces of outer casing material. However, when the weakening is present in part of the side surface of the outer casing, the outer casing may not be ripped to many pieces and the projection of the outer casing material may be confined to the site where the explosion occurs. This may be much safer and contribute to the classification in a lower danger class.

The method may comprise weakening at least part of the bottom of the outer casing.

The weakening of the bottom of the outer casing is to ensure that this part splits in a controlled manner upon the first explosion of the combustible material which is confined in the space between the inner casing and the bottom side of the outer casing. If the weakening in the bottom side of the outer casing is not present, the pressure built up due to the explosion may result in the outer casing being ripped open because the pressure cannot be released. The outer casing may thus be ripped open in an uncontrolled manner and the subsequent projection of many pieces of outer casing material. However, when the weakening is present in the bottom side of the outer casing, the pressure may be released and the outer casing may not be ripped open. This may be much safer and contribute to the classification in a lower danger class. The weakening of the side surface of the outer casing and/or the bottom of the outer casing may be achieved by several means, including, but not limited to, making a notch.

The method may further comprise accommodating the firework device in a firework packaging of the invention such that the removable blocking element(s) is/are positioned through the openings in the outer casing(s).

The firework device may be accommodated in the firework packaging by placing it in or onto the first part or the second part of the firework packaging. This may be done by hand or by using a machine.

The method may further comprise closing the first part and second part of the firework packaging to form a closed package.

The first part and second part of the firework packaging may be closed by any means, including, but not limited to, the folding of one or more folding lines on the first and/or second part, and/or gluing, stapling, etc.

The invention is illustrated in the following figures:

FIG.1A depicts an exterior view of a firework unit comprising an outer casing (1), a first fuse (2), and a plurality of notches (3). In this figure, a removable blocking element (4) is positioned through a pair of openings in the outer casing. The removable blocking element may or may not be connected to a grip (5). The plurality of notches (3) may be made to weaken the side surface of the outer casing (1). FIG. IB is a cross section of the firework unit depicted in FIG. 1A. Here it is shown that the first fuse (102) runs through the outer casing (101) into the space between the inner casing (106) and the bottom of the outer casing (108). The combustible material is confined in this space (109). A second fuse (110) runs through the inner casing (106) to a lifting charge (111). When the first fuse (102) is ignited the combustible material explodes and causes an outwardly oriented movement of the inner casing (106). Due to the positioning of a removable blocking element (104) through the openings of the outer casing this outwardly oriented movement is blocked, as is indicated by the arrow. In FIG.1C it is shown that when the removable blocking element (204) is not positioned through the pair of openings (212) the outwardly oriented movement of the inner casing (206) is not blocked and the inner casing (206) will be shot out of the outer casing (201) up into the air. FIG 2A is an exterior view of a firework packaging comprising a main part (313) and a second part (314) which are separably connected by a tear-off strip (315). In FIG.2B, the tear-off strip (415) is removed to facilitate the separation of the main part (413) and the second part (414).

FIG 3 is a cross section of the firework packaging as shown in FIG 1A, wherein the firework packing accommodates a firework device (516). In this figure, the firework device comprises four firework units (517). The firework packaging further comprises two blocking flaps (518) to block the outwardly oriented movement of the fireworks unit or device when the first part (513) and second part (514) are separated to remove the removable blocking element(s) (504).

FIG.4 shows that by separating the first part (613) and the second part (614), wherein the second part has the removable blocking element (604) attached to it, the removable blocking element (604) is removed from the firework device (616). The blocking flaps (618) block the outwardly oriented movement of the firework device (616).

FIG.5 shows that the blocking flaps (718) may be folded or removed to facilitate the removal of the firework device (716) from the first part (713).

FIG.6 depicts the disassembled state of an assembly of the firework device (816) and firework packaging, wherein the assembly comprises a first part (813), a second part (814) connected to a removable element (804), a tear-off strip (815) and two blocking flaps (817).

FIG.7 shows how a second part (914) connected to two removable elements (904) may be positioned through the openings of a firework device (916) comprising eight firework units (917) or how two removable blocking elements (904) connected to a second part (914) may be removed from a firework device (916) comprising eight firework units (917).

Claims

1. Firework unit comprising an outer casing, an inner casing, and combustion material confined in a space between the outer casing and inner casing at a bottom side of the outer casing, characterized in that the outer casing comprises a pair of openings at the topside of the outer casing, which openings are aligned to facilitate the positioning of a removable blocking element through the openings in the outer casing, to block the outwardly oriented movement of the inner casing in case of inadvertent combustion of the combustion material.

2. Firework unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer casing and inner casing are elongated structures having a side surface and wherein the pair of openings is oppositely arranged in the side surface of the outer casing.

3. Firework unit as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer casing extends beyond the inner casing in a direction away from the combustion material and wherein the pair of openings is located in the part of the outer casing that extends beyond the inner casing.

4. Firework unit as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the inner casing comprises a pair of openings, which openings are aligned to the pair of openings in the outer casing, to facilitate the positioning of the removable blocking element through the openings in the outer casing and inner casing.

5. Firework unit as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein at least part of the side surface of the outer casing is weakened, said at least part of the side surface of the outer casing preferably being at least part of the side surface of the outer casing between the bottom of the outer casing and the pair of openings or the removable blocking element.

6. Firework unit as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein at least part of the bottom of the outer casing is weakened.

7. Firework unit as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the outer casing is made of paper or plastic and the inner casing is made of paper.

8. Firework unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the outer casing is made of reinforced plastic or glass-fiber reinforced plastic.

9. Assembly comprising the firework unit as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, and a removable blocking element, wherein, in an assembled state, the removable blocking element is positioned through the pair of openings of the outer casing.

10. Firework device comprising at least one firework unit as claimed in any one of claims 1-8.

11. Firework device comprising at least one assembly as claimed in claim 9.

12. Firework device as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the firework device comprises a plurality of firework units, wherein the pair of openings in the outer casings of the plurality of firework units are aligned to facilitate the positioning of a removable blocking element through the pair of openings in the outer casings of each of the plurality of firework units to simultaneously block the outwardly oriented movement of each inner casing in case of inadvertent combustion of the combustion material.

13. Firework device comprising a plurality of firework units as defined in any one of claims 10-12, wherein the outer casings of said plurality of firework units are integrally connected.

14. Firework packaging comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part are separably connected, said firework packaging being configured to accommodate the firework unit as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, and/or the assembly as claimed in claim 9, and/or the firework device as claimed in any one of claims 10-13, wherein a removable blocking element is connected to the first part or the second part, and wherein the firework packaging is configured such that the removable blocking element is positioned through the openings of the outer casing(s) of the firework unit(s) when the firework unit, assembly, and/or firework device is

accommodated within the firework packaging, and such that upon separating the first and second part the removable blocking part is removed from the openings of the outer casing(s) of the firework unit(s).

15. Method for lowering the danger classification of a firework device, wherein the method comprises:

- providing a firework device comprising at least one firework unit, wherein the firework unit comprises an outer casing, an inner casing, and combustion material confined in a space between the outer casing and inner casing at a bottom side of the outer casing,

- creating a pair of aligned openings at the topside of the outer casing to facilitate the positioning of a removable blocking element through the pair of openings; - positioning a removable blocking element through the pair of openings in the outer casing to block the outwardly oriented movement of the inner casing in case of inadvertent combustion of the combustion material.

16. Method as claimed in claim 15, further comprising weakening at least part of the side surface of the outer casing, said at least part of the side surface of the outer casing preferably being at least part of the side surface of the outer casing between the bottom of the outer casing and the pair of openings or the removable blocking element.

17. Method as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein at least part of the bottom of the outer casing is weakened.

18. Method as claimed in any one of claims 15-17, comprising providing a firework packaging as claimed in claim 14 and accommodating a firework to position the firework unit as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, and/or the assembly as claimed in claim 9, and/or the firework device as claimed in any one of claims 10-13 in the firework packaging such that the removable blocking element(s) are positioned through the openings in the outer casing(s).

19. Method as claimed in any one of claims 14-18, further comprising closing the first part and second part of the firework packaging to form a closed package.